Inspiration for My Story: I used the book Turtle's Race with Beaver by Bruchac in a story time about turtles and the children enjoyed it the most of all the books I read that day. I reread it later that day and decided that it had the right elements to be a good choice for an oral story presentation. I also asked my mentor, Pat, if he thought it would be a good choice and he encouraged me to start practicing.
Early Research:
The author's note led me to research more about Joseph Bruchac because I wanted to know his connection to the Seneca culture. He has been a storyteller for forty years and has Abenaki heritage. Based on that information I felt comfortable moving forward with the story.
Further Investigation:
I then read more about Iroquois culture and discovered that many of their traditional tales are about animals and nature. They often personify animals and use their stories to teach lessons or explain the natural world.
Story Map A.3.3―Traditional Story: Story Map
Seneca story: "Turtle and Beaver" as retold by Cindi Wynia
Background: “Turtle's Race with Beaver” has been told by storytellers of the Iroquois Nation for centuries. The story reminds people that wits can overcome strength and even the smallest creature can overcome obstacles.
Main Character(s) Turtle Beaver
Setting A pond in the woods
Problem(s) Beaver wants to live in the pond that Turtle has lived in her whole life.
Plot Beginning Turtle lives happily in her pond until winter comes and she digs into the mud at the bottom of the pond to hibernate. Beaver comes, builds a dam and a lodge changing the look of the pond much to Turtle's surprise when she comes out of hibernation.
Middle
Beaver challenges Turtle to a race to decide who gets to continue living in the pond.
End
Turtle uses her wits to win the race by biting Beaver's tail and hanging on until the shore comes into sight.
Solution
Turtle is clever in how she solves the problem of Beaver being bigger and stronger.
Authentic ending
Seneca storytellers taught lessons through their animal stories. Turtle taught the importance of quick thinking and overcoming obstacles by using her wits. Beaver taught the importance of sharing resources since he asked permission to live in the next turtle's pond instead of simply taking over.
Practicing the Story:
I began practicing with my coworkers March 24, 2014 and adjusting my pace, tone, and gestures based on their feedback. On March 31, I told my story to Pat, but I was so nervous because he is such a wonderful storyteller that I did not perform well. I did better on my second attempt on April 1 and he told me that I was doing well and to relax. On April 2, 2014 I told my story to the pre-K classes at a local elementary school. I had fun and the children did, too.
Assignment 3.4: Traditional Storytelling – Individual and Partner Project
Individual Project: Cindi Wynia
Partner Project: Cindi Wynia and Lisa Keefer http://bitsysmom5443.wikispaces.com/http://bitsysmom5443.wikispaces.com/
Collaboration Page: http://wynia-storytelling.wikispaces.com/Traditional+Storytelling+Partner+Collaboration
Inspiration for My Story:
I used the book Turtle's Race with Beaver by Bruchac in a story time about turtles and the children enjoyed it the most of all the books I read that day. I reread it later that day and decided that it had the right elements to be a good choice for an oral story presentation. I also asked my mentor, Pat, if he thought it would be a good choice and he encouraged me to start practicing.
Early Research:
The author's note led me to research more about Joseph Bruchac because I wanted to know his connection to the Seneca culture. He has been a storyteller for forty years and has Abenaki heritage. Based on that information I felt comfortable moving forward with the story.
Further Investigation:
I then read more about Iroquois culture and discovered that many of their traditional tales are about animals and nature. They often personify animals and use their stories to teach lessons or explain the natural world.
Story Map
A.3.3―Traditional Story: Story Map
Seneca story: "Turtle and Beaver" as retold by Cindi Wynia
Background: “Turtle's Race with Beaver” has been told by storytellers of the Iroquois Nation for centuries. The story reminds people that wits can overcome strength and even the smallest creature can overcome obstacles.
Turtle
Beaver
A pond in the woods
Beaver wants to live in the pond that Turtle has lived in her whole life.
Beginning
Turtle lives happily in her pond until winter comes and she digs into the mud at the bottom of the pond to hibernate. Beaver comes, builds a dam and a lodge changing the look of the pond much to Turtle's surprise when she comes out of hibernation.
Middle
Beaver challenges Turtle to a race to decide who gets to continue living in the pond.
End
Turtle uses her wits to win the race by biting Beaver's tail and hanging on until the shore comes into sight.
Solution
Turtle is clever in how she solves the problem of Beaver being bigger and stronger.
Authentic ending
Practicing the Story:
I began practicing with my coworkers March 24, 2014 and adjusting my pace, tone, and gestures based on their feedback. On March 31, I told my story to Pat, but I was so nervous because he is such a wonderful storyteller that I did not perform well. I did better on my second attempt on April 1 and he told me that I was doing well and to relax. On April 2, 2014 I told my story to the pre-K classes at a local elementary school. I had fun and the children did, too.
A.3.4 Storytelling Feedback Sheet:
Link to Final Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66N7aGitF5Y